House Approves $633-Billion Defense Bill

The House has voted for a $633 billion defense bill for next year despite Pentagon complaints that it spares outdated but politically popular weapons at the expense of the military's ability to fight.

The vote Thursday was 315-107. The bill now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers could vote Thursday evening.

The White House had threatened a veto of earlier versions of the bill, and spokesman Jay Carney said the threat still stands.

The far-reaching bill that covers the cost of ships, aircraft, weapons and military personnel would authorize $528 billion for the Defense Department's base budget.

It also provides $88.5 billion for the war in Afghanistan and $17 billion for defense and nuclear programs in the Energy Department.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press